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Songwriting

MT1 Session I:   Feb 25, Mar 4, 11, 18

Mondays 10:45 am - noon

Guided with laughter and music, local folk singer-songwriter Susan Grace will teach songwriting. Creating our own songs by working together as a group, in small groups, or as individuals -- let’s sing, create and be merry!

Instructor Susan Grace is a local educator, creator of Camp Habitat and other programs at Creamer’s Field, singer-songwriter and performer.

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Musicals by Andrew Lloyd Weber

MT2    Session I: February 25, March 4, 11, 18

Mondays 2:30 - 5:00 pm (ending times may vary)

Description: This class is presented as a non-technical form of musical appreciation with opportunities to watch, listen and discuss the sources and productions of several musicals of Andrew Lloyd Weber.   We will select four musicals from his many productions such as Cats, Evita, Joseph and His Technicolor Dream Coast, Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies (sequel to Phantom).   We will review the history of each work including the story source or "book" the musical is based upon, information about the history of each production as well as biographical information about the composer and lyricist.    

Instructor Montie Slusher’s background includes college and graduate study in sociology, philosophy, religion, and social studies.   His work and volunteer experience include social work, teaching, and ministry, with the last 40 years here in Alaska.

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Harmonica for Beginners

MT3     Session I Add-on: March 25, 28

Monday and Thursday 1:00 - 2:15 pm

Do you wish you could play a musical instrument?   Harmonicas are inexpensive, fit in your pocket and don't require tuning, which makes them a perfect beginner instrument.   In this class you'll learn to play a scale and recognize where the notes are so you can start playing melodies you already know.   Bring a harmonica in the key of C.   Limited enrollment.

Instructor Jim Warner started playing harmonica 12 years ago.   He helped form the Hot Denali Harps, a harmonica club that has been meeting regularly and performing in various venues around Fairbanks for the last 11 years.

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Exploring Part Songs and Harmony

MT4     Session I: March 1, 8, 15, 22

Fridays     2:45 - 4:00 pm

Mostly we'll sing songs you know (or will learn!) and find the great harmony that results from rounds, canons and quodlibets. We might even try some up-tempo songs composed for two or more voices.

Instructor Theresa Reed is a retired general music teacher who has been involved in performing and directing music and theatre for more than 30 years.

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Guitar from Scratch

MT5     Session II: April 1, 8, 15, 22

Mondays 1:00 - 2:15 pm

Have you always wished you could play guitar?   This course will introduce you to the basics of guitar playing. No prior experience with guitar or any other music is required.   You'll learn how to tune the guitar, strum, and form a few basic chords that will allow you to accompany lots of simple songs.   Bring an acoustic (NOT electric!) guitar to class.   If you don't have access to an acoustic guitar, contact the OLLI office and we'll point you to a rental option.   It is important that students attend all 4 classes, as each class will build on what was learned the week before.   Enrollment limited to 10.

Instructor Jeep Reid took up guitar playing five years ago because learning music helps seniors retain memory function.   Even if that is only partly true, he says it’s fun and he meets many nice people through music.

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World Music

MT6      Session II: April 2, 9, 16, 23

Tuesdays 1:00 - 2:15 pm

Let's go on a world music tour!   This introductory survey course will examine musical cultures throughout the world.   We will take a look at musical systems in terms of their respective sounds and their relationship to culture and society.   A cross-cultural comparison of various types of music will also be considered.   The course will include an introduction to the basic elements of music but no knowledge of musical notation will be required.   Join me as we explore the fascinating sounds of Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas!

Instructor Paul Krejci, Ph.D., is an adjunct professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks music department.   He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music history, theory, indigenous Alaskan and circumpolar music.  

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Introduction to the Craft of Acting

MT7     Session II: April 4, 11, 18, 25

Thursdays    10:45 am - 12:15 pm

This acting class offers exploration techniques for enhancing and polishing personal communication skills including voice, physicality, and staying on message for “telling the story.”   The class also includes examination and practical application of active listening and ensemble teamwork.

Instructor Peggy Ferguson came to Fairbanks in 1969. She holds a degree in theatre arts and speech from the University of Minnesota, and has been the staging director and acting coach for numerous theatrical organizations throughout Alaska since 1970.   She has been the managing director of the Fairbanks Drama Association since 2001 and is a founding member of the Looking Glass Theatre.

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